ASEAN South China Sea

The Duterte administration continues to tout opportunities of a pact despite the significant risks it would involve.

Reports indicate Beijing’s coercive efforts continue even as it plays up a cooling down period in the South China Sea.

The cooling down some are playing up masks underlying tensions and broader strategic realities.

An interaction by Hanoi and Manila this week is an important reminder about the significance of intra-ASEAN collaboration even as disputes continue to summer.

Manila and Hanoi resumed naval personnel interaction on a feature in the disputed waters.

Incident is a warning that despite attempts to downplay the flashpoint, tensions could quickly escalate.

China wants to be seen as cooperative, but doesn't want a binding COC.

China's move toward an undersea observation network appears to be progressing.

The drills (though far more routine than headlines suggest) show that Jakarta is determined to protect its interests.

Trilateral engagement is yet another manifestation of the growing multilateralization of U.S. exercises in the region.

An important recent engagement between the two sides was more than just about North Korea.

Though the Philippine president has complicated things, focusing on this episode alone obscures more enduring challenges on the South China Sea question.